Florida Keys Winter Bonefish Action

Capt. Luke Kelly
January 15, 2009
Key West - Saltwater Fishing Report

Great things to report about the bonefish here in the Lower Florida Keys. We are currently underneath a fairly strong cold front with what seems like more to come. Though the past two days leading this current front, I spent on the water with a colleague of mine and absolutely crushed the Bones. It was like they knew the front was coming (which I'm sure they did), and they were eating shrimp flies without even thinking about it. We must of caught a dozen bonefish on fly during the two days as I stopped counting after about the eighth. The great thing about it was that anyone could have accomplished this, even if they have never handled a fly rod before. This is because they are currently not on the flats, demanding an accurate cast from an angler. They are in deeper water and can be caught with a cast and retrieve method while using full sinking line and shrimp patterns. It's easy, anyone can cast fly line twenty feet and slowly pull it back to the boat. Knowing where they are takes a little thought, but once in proximity easily caught. Had we been using light tackle gear and bait I would imagine we would have doubled these numbers.

The next few days or week from now will not produce such experiences (at least not on my boat), because it should be blowing over 15 and cold for the duration of these following fronts. But I would expect the same fishing to return once our day time temps get back into the eighties soon after these cool fronts. Currently, it's back to redfish, sea trout, pompano, jacks and large barracuda. But you better believe I'll be thinking about those pre-frontal bonefish and permit. This year's pre-frontal conditions have been absolutely great, with temps in the upper seventies and eighties. I am expecting it to remain that way.

To book a charter with Capt Luke Kelly for some Florida Keys flats and backcountry fishing on fly or light tackle, call 305-304-3152 or checkout www.lowerkeysflatsfishing.com for details. Thanks for reading.

Target Species:

Bonefish

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Experience the best in Florida Keys & Key West flats & backcountry fishing with native and year round professional fishing guide, Capt Luke Kelly. IGFA certified captain specializing in shallow water sight-fishing for tarpon, permit, bonefish, and more with quality fly and light tackle gear. A dependable, friendly charter fishing service that delivers! Found only in the beautiful waters of the Lower Florida Keys & Key West. Get out and catch the fishing trip of a life time!